Q: Can a landlord add rent payment fees not in the lease in Michigan?
I signed a year-long lease on January 1, 2025, with a monthly rent of $1,750 plus utilities. My lease does not specify any fees for rent payment methods, aside from late fees. On March 1, 2025, the management company notified me via email that starting in April, there will be fees for paying rent by check and $25 for using money orders, but they don't accept cash. They want everyone to use the online portal, which also has a $3.95 fee. Can they impose these fees if our lease doesn't mention them?
A: If it's not stated in the lease it doesn't seem legal to charge this fee. However, this is not a definitive answer. I recommend you contact the Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR), and file a complaint.
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